Tomorrow the 10^th June, the Special Olympics flame will arrive in Pafos.

Castle square in Kato Pafos at 20:00

11-13 June 2011

Kataklysmos

Fifty days after Easter is Kataklysmos, which is otherwise known as the Festival of the Flood, or the Water Festival.  This religious public holiday sees a three day celebration at all of the major coastal towns across the island, with the promenades taking on the appearance of an open-air fair, with countless stalls selling toys and traditional Cypriot food.  The celebrations will include folk dancing, singing, games, swimming competitions, boat races, and just generally throwing water at each other.  A great way to stay cool in the Cyprus sun!

It is the day of the Holy Spirit, which celebrates the descent of the Holy Ghost to the Apostles.  In Cyprus, the celebrations also relate back to the Old Testament tale of Noah’s Ark (the Greek myth of Deukalion) and ancient ceremonies in honour of Aphrodite and Adonis.

This friday, June 10th 2011 at 20:30, an exceptional concert by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra will take place at the Markideion Theatre in Pafos.

Programme:

L. van Beethoven: Coriolan Overture, Op. 62
J. Brahms: Concerto for Violin and Violoncello in A minor, Οp. 102
F. Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 11

Soloists: Alina Komisarova (violin), Roberto Trainini (cello)
Conductor: Kypros Markou

Tickets: €26 (€7 for pensioners, free for students and Euro <26 card holders)

For reservations call: 26932014

Pafilia is proud to announce it will be a platinum sponsor of the FIABCI world congress to be held in Pafos – Cyprus from the 16^th to the 21st of May 2011.

Pafilia’s management team will be available throughout the congress and welcome the opportunity to meet with other FIABCI members from around the world.

Please visit http://www.pafilia.com/fiabci.php for full details and programme.

We look forward to meeting you at the world congress.

Tuesday 24 May 2011

• Ludwig Van Beethoven - Sonata in D major, Op. 25 for flute, violin and viola
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Flute quartet N0 1 in D major, K.285
• Ernest Chausson - Songs
• Gabriel Faure - Songs
• Cesar Frank – Piano quintet in F minor

Wednesday 25 May 2011

• Joseph Haydn - London trio N0 1 in C major, Hob.IV:1
• Franz Schubert - Fantasia in F minor, D.940 for piano four-hands
• Franz Schubert - String quintet in C major, D.956

Thursday 26 May 2011

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Flute quartet in C major, K.285b
• Ludwig Van Beethoven - Piano trio in E flat, Op.1, N01
• Francis Poulenc - Flute sonata
• Jean Sibelius - Songs
• Frederic Chopin - Piano trio in G minor, Op.8

Friday 27 May 2011

• Ludwig Van Beethoven - Piano quartet in E flat major op.16b
• Franz Schubert - Notturno in E flat major, D.897
• Sergei Rachmaninov - Songs
• Anton Arensky - String quartet N02 in A minor, Op.35

Saturday 28 May 2011

• Igor Stravinsky - Le sacre du printemps
• Johann Sebastien Bach - Goldberg variations

The musicians performing are (subject to change):

• Violin: Daishin Kashimito, Maja Avramovic, Tamaki Kawakubo
• Viola: Diemut Poppen, Amihai Grosz
• Cello: Alexander Chaushian, Timothy Park
• Flute: Emmanuel Pahud
• Soprano: Margarita Elia
• Piano: Ashley Wass, Vahan Mardirossian, Paavali Jumppanen, Philippe Cassard

For more information and reservations please contact the Pharos Arts Foundations on http://www.pharosartsfoundation.org/contact.htm

 The children go around cracking and winning coloured eggs, for only if your egg does not crack then you get to keep it. At lunchtime picnics and family gatherings are held; lambs are roasted on the spit and wine flows freely.

In the villages, Easter is an all-village affair apart from being a big holiday. On such days after Mass, the priest stands at the church door with the Cross and everyone leaving kisses the Cross, then shakes-and takes – the hand of the person in front, thus forming a large circle in the church yard which symbolizes the renewal of friendship with one another. After this, all friends and relations, but especially people from other towns or villages, are invited to the villagers’ homes where they sit down together, eating and drinking until late in the afternoon.

In many villages it is also the custom on Easter Sunday and Monday for everyone to have lunch in the church yard and each family brings its food and wine and everybody eats at long tables made out of stands and long wooden planks. After lunch there are various games, dances and jokes. All old quarrels are forgotten. The young people celebrate by hanging up “souses” – swings. For this purpose young men and girls hang ropes from trees and while the girls swing, they all sing gay songs or love songs, or teasing songs called “Tchatismata” -rhymes – These rhymes are made up at every festive occasion and there are even professionals who sing them. The characteristic of the “tchatismata” is that someone get up and starts by opening the subject in reciting praises for the host, something to tease a friend, or a love song for a girl. If he can, the one who has been made the subject of the rhyme gets up and replies by reciting his views on whatever has just been said. More usually, however, there are two people singing the “tchatismata” by making up the rhyme as they go along, one making up the first few lines, the other the next few and so on.

We hope you enjoyed reading about our Cyprus Easter traditions and would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a very happy Easter.

Pafilia

Eggs are dyed as well. Traditionally they are dyed red with a special root called “rizari” that is sold in bundles at the market during these days. They are also dyed yellow; for this purpose the yellow marguerites that cover the waysides and fields during April are used. Some dye their eggs in a more artistic way by tying the marguerites onto the eggs with a piece of muslin before boiling them in a colour.

Good Friday begins with everyone taking flowers to church so that the young girls can decorate the “Epitafios” ~ Holy Sepulchre. This, in our church, is a four-postured litter with a canopy in which the icon of Christ is laid in state. The whole structure is completely decorated with flowers, a job that takes the greater part of Good Friday morning.
At lunchtime the traditional “Faki Xidati” – vinegar and lentil soup – is eaten, containing vinegar because it is said that when Christ asked for water on his way to Calgary He was given vinegar instead.

From early afternoon you will see streams of cars and pedestrians going from church to church to pay their last respects to Christ – and to compare the decoration of their own parish “Epitafios” with that of the others.

In the meantime, all the streets along which the “Epitafios” will pass in the solemn procession later that night are being decorated with coloured lights. The procession starts after the evening service with the priests preceding, then the Scouts or young men carrying the litter of Christ and then the choir, singing hymns. The whole congregation follows, and children light sparklers on the way.

Saturday is a quiet day, although there is a sermon towards lunchtime during which the church doors are banged and candleholders shaken, when the news is brought that Christ is no longer in His grave.

The real sermon of resurrection is at about midnight. Everybody goes to church with a candle and the sermon is held. A big bonfire is lit in the church yard. When the priest proclaims that “Christ has risen”, all candles are lit and everyone greets everyone else with “Christos anesti” ~Christ has raised, to which the other answers “Alithos anesti” ~ Indeed He has risen.

More tomorrow with Easter Traditions in Cyprus – Part three

To celebrate Easter everything should look clean and new, so houses are cleaned, painted or white-washed, and new clothes are a “must”, especially new shoes.

The Holy Week is dedicated to church-going and to baking, etc.
At seaside places preparations for Palm Sunday can be seen from the previous Friday. In the coffee shops, fishermen sit and plait intricate “vaynes” ~ palm-leaf flower holders ~which when finished, resemble little swallows’ nests perched on sticks. The fishermen sell these and the young children fill them with flowers and take them to church on Palm Sunday when they follow the icon of Christ around the church in a procession commemorating Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. The older boys hold large palm leaves. Olive leaves are put into pillow-case-like sacks which are taken to church; there they are kept for forty days after which they can be used for incense burning. From now on there are church services morning, afternoon and evening.

More tomorrow with Easter Traditions in Cyprus – Part two

Pafilia owners on the following projects are expected to be issued their individual title deeds during the current year (2011):

• Alithea Gardens
• Anarita Gardens
• Argaka Bay Villas
• Disatsia 4
• Epea 3
• Eva 2
• Eva Gardens
• Irini Gardens
• Kastalia Springs
• Konia Gardens
• Latsi Marina View
• Marina Court
• Melissa Villas A
• Melissa Villas B
• Mesa Chorio plots
• Mesoyi plots
• Pafia 2
• Paradise Gardens
• Tala Chorio 2
• Tala Gardens
• Tala Sea View
• Tremithos 6A-6B
• Tremithousa 1
• Tremithousa 2

Pafilia will be contacting each owner individually once their title deed is ready.

For any question regarding the issuance of your title deed, please contact your Pafilia representative.

If you would like to support Sparks for this event please visit: http://www.justgiving.com/Anthony-Nathanael 

Did you know that in Cyprus there are many fresh herbs, roots and vegetables served in local restaurants which have been picked in the nature?

One you can enjoy now is the Cyprus wild asparagus or ‘Agrelia’ as it known here.

These baby wild asparagus are a real delicacy, they grow in the wild and are hand picked. They can be cooked in various ways and the most traditional way these are prepared and served is with eggs ‘Agrelia me avga’ .

Here is how to prepare them if you are lucky enough to find them in the nature:

Fry the asparagus (use only the upper half of the asparagus which is the soft part) lightly in olive oil for about 10 minutes until soft. Break an egg directly into the pan and stir continuosly until it mixes well with the asparagus. Allow to cook on low heat for a further 5 minutes stiring occasionally. Add seasoning and serve while hot.

Bon appetit! Kali Orexi!

The €8 million Integrated Management Plan for the Pafos forest finalised by the forestry department provides for the increased protection of the flora and fauna.

The Plan for covers an extended area of 60.000 ha equal at about 50% of public forest land. The Pafos Forest includes large number of ecosystems and particularly important biotopes and habitats where important and rare vegetation and animals live and are developed. The unique and most important plant society of the Cyprus Cedrus along with the unique population of the Cyprus “Agrino” (moufflon) gives the area of the Pafos Forest a huge environmental value.

The Pafos forest is the biggest and most important biotope of Cyprus where rare birds nest along with a large number of endemic plants and fauna species. The Pafos Forest area is characterized as Special Protection Area (SPA), Important Community Site of NATURA 2000, National Park (12.000ha), Nature Protection Area (5.000ha) and Permanent Forest Area according to forest law. Forest management is conducted under the Department of Forests of Cyprus.

If nature is important to you, Pafilia offers some exceptional properties bordering the Pafos forest in the area of Polis, including apartments starting at €123,500 and houses from €174,000 in Polis Gardens , houses from €199,000 in Prodromi Gardens , villas from €575,000 in Pine Sea View Villas  and luxury beach villas starting from €950,000 in Amorosa Villas.

Pafilia recently brought together its staff members from across its business units in a collective endeavour to donate blood.  The blood donation is in keeping with the company’s commitment to supporting the needs of the community and its residents.

The Department of Blood Transfusion in Pafos organised a mobile blood donation station for the event with trained professionals at the Pafilia headquarters in Pafos.

Blood donation takes top priority in Pafilia’s corporate responsibility agenda. As a company, we are developing a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme and this activity is part of our ongoing efforts.  We have already carried out several initiatives, including donating 200 car parking spaces to the people of Limassol and making a pledge to the UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign on World Environment Day.  

Pafilia is a Cyprus property developer who has established a reputation for quality and excellence over the last 30 years. We are the leading developer in terms of build quality, premier locations, after sales service and financial advice to help you secure the right investment. With operations in both Cyprus and Greece, property for sale in prime Mediterranean locations is available with flexible financing available.

Our diverse portfolio of property for sale in Cyprus includes luxury golf properties, beach front villas, penthouse apartments and custom built villas.

With over 3000 Cyprus properties sold over its corporate history, Pafilia is the first choice for lifestyle buyers and investors when looking to buy property in Cyprus.

It is renowned for the tasty aromatic honey that is produced in the area. Other productions in the area include vines, vegetables, cereals, forage plants, citrus, almond, and walnut trees and more.

Tremithousa connects to the north to the monastery of Agios Neofytos, to the northeast with the village of Tala, and to the east with the main road of Pafos – Polis, within few minutes drive to Minthis Hills Golf.

The village already existed during the Medieval times and during the era of Frank domination.

Tremithousa took its name from the “Tremithia”. Tremithia (Terebinth) is a tree that was found in large quantities in the surrounding area. Thus the name Tremithousa or Trimithousa implies an area that is filled with Terebinth trees. Indeed, in the old times the village was known for its production of “Pafitiki Pissa” (gum of Pafos), which is made out of the resin of the Terebinth tree.

Today there is a thriving residential and tourism in the region of Tremithousa thanks to an excellent micro climate, its magnificent panoramic views to the sea, its traditional village atmosphere, all within short proximity to the sea, Pafos town and Minthis Hills Golf.

Pafilia’s exclusive Tremithousa Chorio development is located in the hillside village of Tremithousa and comprises 10 detached villas and sea view apartments.

The development is ideally located with easy access to the main Pafos to Polis Road. The immediate vicinity has recently attracted a growth of village shops catering for the day-to-day needs of the local residents. Tremithousa Chorio is also only minutes drive from the Pafos International School, Minthis Hills golf course and Pafos town.

The last 3 bedroom apartments are available at a bargain price starting from €210,000 only!

more information on http://www.pafilia.com/cyprsproperties.php?showDev=88

Κοπιάστε!

The €170 million project aims to provide eight per cent of the island’s electricity generation and has been operational since last year.

Property Developers in Cyprus – announces Taste of Cyprus – 25 October 2010 – Cyprus Property Developer

Idag startar Sverige veckan på Londa Hotell i Limassol och hela veckan kan vi kan få njuta av svensk mat på hotellets restaurang. En fotoutställning om svenskar på Cypern pågår och Katarina Fallholm underhåller med vacker sång.

Det är Svenska ambassaden, Svenska föreningen på Cypern och 1,6 miljonerklubben som tillsammans anordnar detta stora evenemang.  Invigningen är i kväll 26 oktober, hålls av ambassadören Ingemar Lindahl och Alexis Galanos som är borgmästare i Limassol.

Under onsdagen håller Karin Ehnbom-Palmquist som är styrelsemedlem i 1,6 miljonerklubben, ett föredrag om kvinnors hälsa och välbefinnande sedan får vi en presentation av Londas organiska spa program.

På fredag kväll blir det en gala middag då Katarina Fallholm underhåller och veckan avslutas med ett stort smörgåsbord på söndagen.

Vi i Pafos har våran sedvanliga månadsträff på lördag så efter allt detta kan det bli skönt att återgå till ett betydligt lugnare Cypriotiskt tempo.

View from Amorosa Villas in Latchi

September is a very popular month for tourists and Cyprus property buyers alike (www.pafilia.com).  Families with children are often constrained by the school holidays, but others can enjoy the warmth of the September sun in Cyprus.  Many people prefer to avoid the hottest months, July and August, and come when the sea is at its warmest and where the heat is extremely pleasant.  There is loads to do and see and spas to relax in. 

In addition, it is a very good time to look at property in Cyprus, especially this year.  Prices are good, there is a wide choice of property available and the most important thing, buy from a reputable developer who will help you through the whole process.  At Pafilia, this is something we work very hard to achieve and would welcome the opportunity to prove it to you.  Cyprus is our home and we hope you enjoy every minute you spend here!

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, a place where there is so much to do, so many things to see.  It’s perfect for a short visit or for permanent living.  This weekend for example, Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” is being performed at the Pafos Odeon – a small ancient amphitheatre in the heart of the archaeological park down in Kato Pafos by the castle.  This is also where the UNESCO listed mosaics can be found.  Just imagine sitting exactly where people sat hundreds of years ago, watching another live performance.  You do have to bring a cushion to sit on though as the ancient stones are not very comfortable to sit on.

Usually, at the odeon there is little in the way of scenery, maybe a doorway or steps to indicate that someone is coming on or off stage, or sometimes nothing at all.  At the same time, the actors are right next to the audience and it provides a very intimate and genuine atmosphere – this is how Shakespeare should be performed!

The play is brought to you by Midas Touch Productions and the Lord Chamberlain’s Men and will be held on 16,17 & 18^th September at 8.30pm.  Tickets are €18 per person and are available on line (thetempestcyprus@gmail.com or mapalex@cytanet.com.cy) or on the phone on 99861233

Här på Cypern börjar semestrarna ta slut men sommaren har varit fylld av aktiviteter som fortsätter ett tag till. Denna månad börjar med en 14 dagars fasta innan den stora helgdagen den 15 augusti som firas till minne av Maria, Jesus moders död. Därefter har vi festligheter som vin festivaler, uppträdanden av kända Grekiska artister, Sabaton, ett grammis-nominerat power metal band från Falun kommer för första gången till Cypern den 28e augusti, Armin Van Buuren från Holland som är en känd DJ kommer till Mackenzie Beach in Larnaca och höjdpunkten är Pafos Aphrodite Festival som bjuder på La Bohème av G.Puccini den 3,4,5 september. http://www.pafc.com.cy/ Operan är full av tragiska men också komiska ögonblick precis som i verkliga livet, och vi i Pafos får njuta av denna unika musik upplevelse under bar himmel i hamnen med fortet och havet som bakgrund.

This year's opera will be La Boheme

If you’ve got what it takes to be really creative and are a fully qualified graphic designer, then you may be the person Pafilia are looking for.  We need someone who believes their work stands up to the best in Europe, someone with graphic design experience who can use current graphic design software and ideally has some basic knowledge of html.  Excellent knowledge of English required.

The successful applicant will become a key part of the company’s marketing team working on a broad selection of materials.  There will be plenty of opportunities to be creative, as well as working within branding guidelines.

For more information, contact human.resources@pafilia.com.

Construction of the first phase of Elysia Park (www.pafilia.org) will be completed shortly, which will mark a new phase in Cyprus Property.  The development is Pafilia’s first integrated resort.  At the same time, it carries on our  tradition for creating beautifully landscaped communal areas that only get better with time. 

I have been working on Pafilia’s landscaping now for a number of years and 7,000m² is quite a lot of garden for one development.  It presented us with a challenge, to create varying areas of interest within a larger theme, as well as working at the same time as construction, which is not always easy.  At the same time it gave us an opportunity to create a large area that had a certain continuity, which is lacking in many of the surrounding areas.  Our designs came partially from the architects and partially from our own inspiration, from our travels and how we felt about the project.  We wanted to create spaces for different activities, for example lawn areas for children as a safe place to play where they can be kept an eye on by their parents from the swimming pool or balconies.  The lawns are also ideal for playing football generally, not just children.

Some of the landscaping at Elysia Park

We also wanted to ensure that we saved as much water as possible, so firstly, we used only indigenous plants, which only need irrigation for a maximum of 3 years and then only during the very hot periods.  Secondly, we decided to use a drop by drop irrigation system, which is totally automatic and would be set to water everything in the early hours of the morning (around 4am) to minimise evaporation and maximise water absorption by the plants.  We are also using recycled water from our sewerage treatment plant for the irrigation.

After planning everything, we started first with the green area, which is slightly away from the construction and so that it would be relatively mature for delivery of the project.  The hard landscaping, such as the stone feature walls and white marble floor tiles, were done by construction and were designed to be eye catching, as well as add to the luxury feel.

We decided to make a far denser planting plan around the boundaries to create a sense of privacy and isolation from the cares of the world.  At the same time, the boulevard running along the length of the project provided some structure.  With the overall planting plan, we wanted to create something in character with Cyprus, not just a standard Mediterranean environment and we used primarily plants from our own nursery in the Akamas, all of which were indigenous to Cyprus.  We added colour to give an uplifting feeling for people by using geraniums.  We also wanted to create a blend of different scents for both day and night.  We therefore used a mixture of different aromatic plants and varieties, such as thyme, mint, rosemary and lavender.  This also adds to the communal experience, encouraging residents to partake in the Mediterranean life, to use these herbs, as if they were their own personal gardens, for their cooking, or for making tea.  For night time, we added night blooming Jasmin, or Cestrum nocturnum, so that the aroma at night would recall of the magic of Oriental nights.

We hope you enjoy the landscaping at Elysia Park for many years to come!

Kataklysmos eller Flood Festival äger rum 50 dagar efter den ortodoxa påsken och firas i flera dagar.  Denna dag är också känd som den Helige Ande, och hyllar nedstigningen av den Helige Ande till apostlarna. I Cypern har firandet också anknytning till Gamla testamentets berättelse om Noaks Ark, och uråldriga ceremonier anordnas för att hedra Afrodite och Adonis.

Pafos harbour & castle

Alla kuststäder anordnar konserter och spel nära vattnet och på strandpromenaden hittar du massor av kiosker som säljer leksaker och traditionell mat. Det finns tävlingar i vattnet samt en tävling för chatista eller rimmade låtar på den cypriotiska dialekten. Vatten är ett nödvändigt tillbehör och invånarna, särskilt barn fyller ballonger och vattenpistoler med vatten för en bra “splash”. Så var redo att bli blöt vid Kataklysmos!

Semester tider nalkas även här, många byggen och kontor stänger igen helt under augusti månad och siestan blir längre och längre. För några år sedan kunde vi som bor här endast flyga reguljärt, man har suttit många timmar i Amsterdam, Prag och Wien. Sedan Cypern gick med i E.U år 2004 kan vi köpa enkla resor med de flesta charterbolagen till ett överkomligt pris.

A beach in Pafos (Paphos)

I år kommer Norwegian att ha direktflyg mellan Stockholm och Larnaca varje fredag och måndag  f.r.o.m. 28 juni t.o.m. 13 augusti.  Går man in och tittar på www.norwegian.se så finns en lågpris kalender med enkla biljetter från 399 kr. Min resa till Sverige i sommar kostade mig 2053 kr tur och retur sedan betalar man 90kr för varje kolli, max 20 kg vilket innebär att jag kan köpa 40kg till hemresan då jag oftast brukar ha övervikt, även runt midjan efter allt smågodis.

We believe Pafilia (www.pafilia.org) is transforming Cyprus property with our strategy of providing more upmarket projects that provide a wide range of facilities.  The completed luxury Amorosa Villas were part of this strategy, but now we are very happy to announce that our first full blown integrated resort, Elysia Park, is nearing completion.

Elysia Park photo taken in April

Just a few minutes from the see in Kato Pafos, it enjoys a great location with easy access, not just to the on-site facilities, but everything that Pafos or Paphos has to offer.

Elysia Park features apartments, penthouses and houses and the commercial plaza we will add will provide all the everyday needs of the residents while at the same time bringing a social atmosphere to the resort.  Facilities enjoyed by the residents will include a large spa and health club, with a huge indoor swimming pool and gym, two of the largest residents waterfall swimming pools in Cyprus, separate children’s swimming pools and playgrounds and a practice basketball court.  This will be complemented by our five star concierge services to ensure our owners can sit back and relax and let us do everything for them.

Pafilia is seeking to recruit property consultants to join its team in St Petersburg.  Reporting to the country manager, this position will include extensive travel in Russia.  We require a dynamic, self motivated Russian-speaking individual to negotiate and close Cyprus property sales.

If you would like to find out more, please go to

http://www.pafilia.com/PropertyConsultant_StPeter.php

Det här tror jag kan vara intressant för er. Tabellen nedan visar kursen under 1 år. Kissonerga Seaview C-201 kostar € 260.000 och enligt kursen idag betalar du 2.5 milj. kr jämfört med 2.9 milj. kr för ett år sedan.

Funderar ni på att köpa bostad på Cypern så är valutakursen till Svenskarnas fördel

Vill ni se vad Pafilia Property Developer har att erbjuda så ordnar vi visningsresor som är individuell, brukar vara på 4-5 dagar inklusive resdagar, kostar 2,900 kr/person. Har ni redan bokat charter till Cypern så ordnar vi övernattning i Pafos 1-2 nätter kostnadsfritt

Pafilia is seeking to recruit property consultants to join its dynamic team in Moscow.  Reporting to the country manager, this position is with a Global company and will include overseas travel.  We require a high calibre, self motivated Russian-speaking individual to develop and maximise Cyprus property sales.

 If you would like to find out more, please go to http://www.pafilia.com/PropertyConsultant_Moscow.php

Pafilia sells Cyprus property & Crete property and has an office in London.  The company has a job opening at our London office for an Account Executive to develop and maximise property sales and ensure commercial success in local and overseas markets.

We are seeking a self motivated and dynamic individual who will be responsible for promoting our diverse property portfolio and providing advice to clients on investment and property related issues.

 The successful applicant will be responsible for:

• Maintaining and developing relationships with existing customers
• Visiting potential customers for new business
• Negotiating the terms of an agreement & closing sales
• Gathering market & customer information;
• Representing the company at Property Exhibitions, Roadshows & other events
• Organising various events in conjunction with partners and internal Pafilia resources
• Negotiating variations in price, delivery and specifications with managers
• Advising on forthcoming product developments and discussing special promotions
• Reviewing own sales performance, aiming to meet or exceed targets
• Actively engaging in marketing activities that promote company products
• Feeding future buying trends back to employers
• Building a client base by contacting identified target audience
• Cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with companies interested in actively becoming a Pafilia agent
• Acting as their trusted liaison, offering various participation solutions/options based upon the prospective client’s specific needs
• Daily monitoring of relevant information sources and reporting on key developments
• Proactively building networks of partners such as advertisers, marketing contacts and potential pointers
• Assisting with production of client proposals

The following knowledge & skills are required:

•  University degree (Property or Real Estate related would be a bonus)
• The applicants should have a good knowledge of various financial instruments
• Real Estate sales experience is a must, preferably international Real Estate Sales
• Excellent sales track record/Relationship management
• Prior experience in Financial institutions or Mortgage lenders will be considered as an added advantage
• Commitment to the highest standards of service delivery
• Excellent communication skills and networking ability
• Initiative and creativity when it comes to problem-solving
• Prior experience in a professional services firm an advantage
• Excellent knowledge of the English Language, both written and oral
• Excellent Computer Skills, MS Office, Internet & Outlook Express

For further information, or to apply please send your CV to human.resources@pafilia.com.

Pafilia sells Cyprus property & Crete property in Russia and has 2 offices there, one in Moscow and one in St Petersburg.  We have several job opportunities there.

 We are seeking a web developer to be based in our Moscow office to create and design the Pafilia Russian websites.

 The role will include:

• Designing & developing the Russian website to ensure good functionality & optimisation
• Designing, developing & integrating relational databases & their web interfaces
• integrating the SQL Server database with the company website
• Layout, aesthetics & usability of the website
• Design of web pages, including graphics, animation and functionality
• Developing web page infrastructure and application related to pages with more advanced graphics and features
• Assisting the Country Manager and IT Manager in the planning of overall company strategy regarding web development and search engine optimisation
• Monitoring web server and website technical performance

  We would like to hear from you.  If you are interested in finding out more, please go to:

 http://www.pafilia.com/WebDeveloper_Moscow.php

Nästa vecka 21,22,23 april hålls en blomster festival i Panagia Chrysopolitissa / Ayia Kyriaki då kyrkan blommar och konserter hålls varje kväll kl 18,00. Kyrkan byggdes på 13-talet över ruinerna av den största bysantinska kyrkan på ön. Kyrkan hade ursprungligen sju mittgångar men blev senare fem. Golvet i kyrkan var täckt med färgglada mosaik, av vilka några är fortfarande bevarade.

Panagia Chrysopolitissa Church in Paphos

Det var till denna plats som år 45 e.Kr apostel Paulus, Barnabas och Markus hamnade då de reste från Antiochia till Schlesien med båt till Cypern för att sprida Kristus budskap. Pafos var då huvudstaden och där gjorde de sin entréer genom många av stadens portar, av vilka tre finns än i dag.

I Pafos lyckats de omvandla den romerska guvenör som anammat den kristna tron, vilket gör Cypern till det första landet i världen som styrdes av en kristen. Trots denna viktiga framgång säger legenden att apostlarna haft svårigheter i Pafos. Man tror att Paulus var bunden och slagen vid en viss pelare som invånarna än i dag pekar ut nära ruinerna av den gotiska kyrkan och kallar St Paulus pelare.

En kort tid senare återvände Barnabas till Cypern igen tillsammans med Markus för en ny missionär rundtur på ön, vilket också inkluderade Pafos. Barnabas hamnade i Salamis, som hade den största hamnen på den tiden, där han tragiskt nog avrättades av judarna i staden.

Cyprus property aside, it is a must to visit Cyprus at Easter.  It is as big as Christmas here and can be enjoyed by everyone, whether you are Greek Orthodox or not.

It starts early with the traditional fasting for Easter – where we eat no meat or dairy, except special days when you are allowed fish.  Not everyone fasts, but quite a large number of us do.  Although there are naturally a large number of vegetarian dishes in Cypriot food, as well as the vast quantities of meat, during this period all the restaurants serve “nistisima” food as well as the usual menu.  There is even nistisima cheese.  So, if ever you go to Cyprus and would like vegetarian food, just ask for nistisima and make it clear that you don’t eat seafood as well.

The Easter decorations start to appear and on Saturday around 11pm the Easter mass starts in towns and villages all over Cyprus.  There’s never enough space in the church, so many of us stand outside with our Easter candles ready to be lit.  As the service finishes, candles are lit from a single flame which is then passed from one candle to the next.  Then the fireworks start.  We then rush home, trying to keep the candle alight all the way to burn a cross under the lintel of our front door for good luck (it doesn’t work if it’s not from the original flame).  At home we eat the traditional magiritsa soup, or egg lemon soup if you don’t like offal, and flaounes, special Easter cheese pastries.

On Easter Sunday its time to cook souvla on the barbecue with the whole family and eat and drink until there is no more space and then still eat more.  We also play a game a bit like conkers, with hard boiled eggs dyed red.

Monday, the eating and drinking continues with games and music in the villages.

Easter is very special in Cyprus and is not to be missed!  This year, Easter Sunday was 4^th April.

Nu på torsdag har vi helgdag och firar den Grekiska självständighetsdagen. Den 25 mars är en av de heligaste dagar för grekisk-ortodoxa kristna, bebådelsen av Theotokos. Detta är den dag som ärkeängeln Gabriel meddelade Maria att hon skulle bära ett barn. Det är också denna dag som markerar frihetskrigets början år 1821 efter 400 år av ockupation och förtryck av de ottomanska turkarna

Den grekiska flaggan och firandet av grekiska självständighetsdagen den 25 mars har inte förändrats sedan revolutionen mot det Osmanska riket 1821. Den vita krysset i övre vänstra hörnet som täcker fjärdedel av flaggan betyder den viktiga roll som den grekisk-ortodoxa kyrkan i bildandet av Greklands Nation. Den blå och vita ränder omväxlande representerar havet och den obarmhärtiga vågor i Egeiska havet. Enligt legenden uppstod skönhetens gudinna Afrodite från dessa vågor. Det finns nio ränderna representerar varje bokstav i det grekiska ordet för frihet, Eleftheria.

En ledig dag mitt I veckan är alltid välkommen och förhoppningsvis blir det lunch vid någon av de många fiskrestauranger i Pafos hamn eller kanske rent av ett första dopp i havet? Hörde att det var 18 grader i vattnet och det är väl inget för en dal kulla som har simmat i betydligt svalare sjöar i Dalarna,  om sommaren sköna…..

View of the sea taken yesterday

This Wednesday, 17^th March, Minthis Hills Golf Club held its annual St Patrick’s Day competition, sponsored by Pafilia (www.pafilia.org).  84 golfers took part from Minthis Hills and other clubs, more than ever before.  Good “craic” was had by all and the course was awash  with golfers dressed in green, as well as a few St Patrick’s Day party hats.

It may have been a very friendly and fun atmosphere, but competition was fierce.  A few stray balls may have occurred after the pause at the 10^th hole for refreshments.  We were very happy to sponsor this event and that everyone had such a good time..  Congratulations to the winners:

1^st Men            H. Austin & P. Williams

2^nd Men           R. Birkett & P. Skinner

 1^st Ladies         A. Aldridge & D. Hudson

2^nd Ladies        Lesley Jones & J. Jackson

St Patrick's Day golf tournament at Minthis Hills

Mixed              Linda Jones & G. Turton

We marked the start of our 2010 campaign in Ireland at the Burlington Hotel on Tuesday 9^th March.  His Excellency Sotos A. Liassides, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ireland opened the event, highlighting the ever closer ties between Cyprus and Ireland and the initiatives to be carried out in 2010.

Cyprus and Ireland have always had a close affinity.  With the announcement by Cyprus Airways of direct flights from Dublin in 2010, we believe that Cyprus will become even more popular, both as a holiday destination and for purchasing property.  To this end we have created tailored packages for our Irish clients, including 5 year guaranteed rentals and flexible financial terms.

Renowned for its quality and flexibility, Pafilia is pioneering tailored packages in Cyprus.  Rather than the traditional one solution fits all, we are focusing on delivering what the customer wants.  If the client is looking for investment, or a holiday home, then they may be interested in rental guarantees.  If they are looking to escape permanently to the Cyprus lifestyle then a better solution may be one of our furniture packs, flexible finance terms or one of our other options.  They may prefer a ready, or an off-plan property.  Whichever they choose, we will tailor a specific package for them.

2010 Launch in Ireland with His Excellency Sotos A. Liassides, Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Ireland

Η Pafilia γιόρτασε την Παγκόσμια Ημέρα της Γυναίκας προσφέροντας σε όλο το γυναικείο προσωπικό της ένα κόκκινο τριαντάφυλλο.  Σχεδόν 100 γυναίκες υπάλληλοι της εταιρείας, συμπεριλαμβανομένης της Εκτελεστικής Διευθύντριας κας Ευαγγελίας Ηλιάδου, μαζεύτηκαν στα κεντρικά γραφεία της εταιρείας στην Πάφο για να γιορτάσουν αυτή την σημαντική ημέρα.

Σύμφωνα με την κα Ευαγγελία Ηλιάδου,  «με τόσες πολλές γυναίκες υπαλλήλους εδώ στην Pafilia, είναι φανερό ότι οι γυναίκες διαδραματίζουν τώρα και θα συνεχίζουν να διαδραματίζουν στο μέλλον ένα σημαντικό ρόλο.  Είμαι περήφανη που υπάρχουν τόσες πολλές γυναίκες τόσο σε ανώτερες όσο και σε διευθυντικές θέσεις και που η φωνή μας ακούγεται.  Αντιπροσωπεύοντας 15 διαφορετικές εθνικότητες, ενισχύουμε τον Διεθνή χαρακτήρα της Pafilia.  Πιστεύω ότι συμπληρώνει τόσο τη πολυδιάστατη φύση της εταιρείας όσο και το ήθος της οικογένειας μας, ενώ προσθέτει στην επιθυμία μας να προσφέρουμε την καλύτερη εξυπηρέτηση πελατών».

Τα γραφεία της Pafilia στη Ρωσσία και Ουκρανία γιόρτασαν την Παγκόσμια Ημέρα της Γυναίκας παραμένοντας κλειστά, ενώ στα υπόλοιπα από τα 20 γραφεία στο εξωτερικό γιόρτασαν με παρόμοιο τρόπο όπως και στην Κύπρο.

Ο εορτασμός αυτός, είναι σε συνέχεια της ξεχωριστής ημέρας Ευαισθητοποίησης για τον Καρκίνο του Μαστού, η οποία διοργανώθηκε πέρσι για τις γυναίκες υπαλλήλους της εταιρείας.  Η εκδήλωση επικεντρώθηκε στην παρουσίαση της Υπηρεσίας Sunflower με σειρά σεμιναρίων στα ελληνικά και αγγλικά από τον Δρ. Δημήτρη Χαραλαμπίδη, γενικό χειρούργο στην κλινική Ίασις.  Πέραν των 50 γυναικών, διαφόρων ηλικιών και εθνικοτήτων συμμετείχαν στα σεμινάρια και πολλές από αυτές εντάχθηκαν στην Υπηρεσία Sunflower.

Οι δύο πιο πάνω δραστηριότητες αποτελούν μέρος του  προγράμματος Εταιρικής Κοινωνικής Ευθύνης της Pafilia.

Pafilia Property Developers celebrated International Womens Day today by giving each of its female employees a hand delivered single red rose.  Almost 100 female employees, including executive director Evangelia Eliadou, gathered together at the company’s head office in Pafos, Cyprus to mark this important day.

According to Evangelia Eliadou, “With so many female employees here at Pafilia, women obviously play an important role both now and in the future.  I feel proud that we have so many in senior and managerial roles and that our voice is heard.  Representing at least 15 different nationalities, we embody the International character of Pafilia.  I believe that it complements both the Global nature of our business and our family ethos, while adding to our desire to provide the best in customer service.”

Pafilia’s Russian and Ukrainian offices celebrated International Womens Day as an official Bank Holiday, with many of the company’s 20 offices around the globe replicating the activities in Cyprus. 

This follows on from the special Breast Cancer Awareness day Pafilia hosted at the end of last year for its female employees.  The main focus of the event, as well as introducing the Sunflower service, was a series of seminars in Greek and then English, by Dr Demetris Charalambides, general surgeon at the Iasis Hospital.  Over 50 women attended the seminars of varying ages and nationalities and many have signed up for the Sunflower service. 

Together, these form just a small part of the company’s ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility Programme.

Some of Pafilia's female employees celebrating International Women's Day

Läste att första färskpotatisen I Sverige kostar 755 kronor kilot. Pafilia kontoret där jag arbetar ligger vägg i vägg med frukt och grönsaks marknaden och deras varor är alltid dagsfärska och en ren njutning att beskåda. Stora knippen med persilja och dill för 3 kr, gurka och tomater för 7 kr kilot och färsk potatis för 8 kr kilot och det bästa av all är jordgubbarna som är nyplockade och varma av solen. Det känns lite mysigt att gå runt bland alla varor och man får alltid en kasse apelsiner eller citroner med på köpet. Nu bär det av till slaktaren sedan hem och lägga vinet på kylning till jordgubbarna. Ha en trevlig helg

Frukt och grönsaks marknaden

Första dagen av fastan som i år firades den 15 februari är en dag av lek, skratt och vegetarisk pick-nick. Gröna måndagen eller Kathara deftera som betyder ren måndag på grekiska följs av en femtio dagars fasteperiod då de kristna inte äter kött eller mejeriprodukter. Många aktiviteter pågår denna dag som Traditionella danser, tävlingar och drak-flygning. Själv åkte jag och min härliga stora familj på 35 personer (ni har väl sett My Big greek fat wedding?) till en by som heter Agios Ioannis. Jag blev helt betagen av alla mandelträd som blommar för fullt just nu. Aldrig under mina 22 år på Cypern har jag sett något liknande, jag kände mig som jag befann mig i edens lustgård.

Det tar ca 40 min att åka dit från Pafos till Ayios Ioannis Om ni vill uppleva detta så åker ni mot Anarita och svänger vänster mot Troodos bergen efter vatten reservoaren.  3 km från Highway tar ni vänster mot Salamio Monasteri. Ni passerar Choletria, mot Stavrokonnou, kör igenom Kelokedera som är en mysig by även den full av blomstrande träd, traditionella Cypern hus och en åsne farm Villni vidare så fortsätt till Ayia Salamiou. Där finns ett monasteri och tavernor som kanske har öppet för lunch. Mitt i byn finns en skylt till vänster mot Agios Iannis och vägen dit är slingrig men det är värt besväret.

Landskap

View from Amorosa Villas in Latchi

If you are in Co. Tipperary in Ireland and would like to find out more about Cyprus Property, www.pafilia.org has the latest news.  Pafilia Property Developers would welcome the opportunity to discuss how Cyprus could become your new home at the Anner Hotel in Thurles on the following dates:

-          Thursday 18 February between 1pm & 8pm

-          Friday 19 February between 12noon & 8pm

To arrange an appointment, contact Suzanne Brady on 087 9270832, or email info.ireland@pafilia.com.

Suzanne has a wealth of experience in investing in property in Cyprus and can provide you with good, informed recommendations on the best option for you.  From properties with guaranteed rentals, or other packages tailored to suit your needs.  Cyprus after all is still rated as one of the best places in the world for permanent living and has a great many advantages, not least of which is its status as a tax haven, as mentioned in a recent Telegraph article http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/personalfinance/offshorefinance/7197211/Offshore-tax-havens-Cyprus.html.

Första dagen av fastan är en dag av lek, skratt och vegetarisk pick-nick. Gröna måndagen eller Kathara deftera som betyder ren måndag på grekiska följs av en femtio dagars fasteperiod då de kristna inte äter kött eller mejeriprodukter. Många aktiviteter pågår denna dag som Traditionella danser, mat, tävlingar och drak-flygning. Aktiviteterna hålls vid Faros Bech nära lighthouse och startar kl 12.00.

Karnevalen är en 10-dagars period med nöjen och mat som startar 50 dagar före fastan, innan Påsken. Första veckan kallas ”Kött veckan” då man tillåts äta kött och under andra veckan som kallas ”Ost veckan” tillåts man bara äta ost och mejeriprodukter. Karnivalens festligheter inleds torsdagen i köttveckan d.v.s. 04 febr med ”Karneval – kungens” intåg i staden kl 17.00 utanför Town Hall, därefter blir det Karnival fest kl 18.00 på Pervolas parkering med musik, dans, mat, dryck, och fyrverkerier.

Den stora maskerad paraden är på lördagen den 13 februari kl 15,00 utanför Town Hall, sedan blir det en konsert med gruppen ”Goin Through Family”.

Här på Cypern har vintern varit helt fantastik i år. Jag och min väninna gör sköna långpromenader med start från hennes Cypern hus och har havet alldeles intill oss. Dessa varma vinter dagar kallar Cyprioterna för Alkionides dagar. Enligt grekisk mytologi var Aoelos dotter Alkioni väldigt förälskad i Ceyx och skröt om sin ömhet. De hävdade att deras kärlek var starkare än den mellan Zeus och hans maka Hera. I vredesmod förvandlade Hera Alkioni och Ceyx till sjöfåglar och Alkioni dömdes att för evigt få lägga sina ägg på de ogästvänliga och karga strandklipporna endast en gång om året, under den mest vindpinade månaden – januari. Hennes far Aeolos som också var vindarnas gud tyckte synd om sin dotter, och för att lindra hennes olycka, beordrade han vindarna att bedarra under 10 dagar, så att hon kunde lägga sina ägg utom fara.

 Härligt väder har vi på vår promenad som den första biten bakom Kunga gravarna är lite smal och knagglig men redan efter 20 min finns en mindre väg och vi kan njuta av mjukt underlag och den sköna havsbrisen. Det är lite backigt på vissa ställen men eftersom vi båda är vana att promenera tycker vi att det är skönt att få ta i lite extra ibland. Blir man trött så finns det ju bänkar utsatta lite överallt. Vi passerar hotell, lägenhets komplex och privata hus där det även finns asfalterade gång- banor. Det är många som är ute och går eller bara njuter av solen. Vi vänder efter ca 6 km och när vi avslutat vår promenad har vi gått 16,000 steg, 12,3 km på 2 tim och 15 min. Nästa söndag går vi åt andra hållet…

Alkionides dagar kallar Cyprioterna

Click here (www.pafiliarentals.com) for a chance to win

 You may not be aware, but unusually this year Valentine’s in Cyprus falls on the same long weekend that the carnival culminates and the traditional Green Monday takes place.  To celebrate this, Pafilia Rentals is offering a very romantic prize of 3 night’s at a luxury penthouse apartment near Paphos with a stunning seaview, a ride to and from the restaurant in a stretch limousine serving champagne (provided by Jack & Sons Transport Services) and a dinner for two at La Spaghetteria Italian Trattoria.

Don’t miss the opportunity to win.  All you need to do is go to www.pafiliarentals.com before 10th February 2010 and click on the Valentine’s day competition banner and follow the instructions, mentioning “Secret Valentine Competition”.

So what is happening that weekend?  On Saturday the 13^th, there will be a parade in Paphos, a number of costumed carnival parties and at lunchtime on the 14^th there is a Grand Carnival Parade in Limassol.  Monday 15^th February is Green Monday, the start of Lent.  It is when Cypriot families gather in fields around the country, barbecue seafood and eat vegetables (no meat, or dairy), drink Cypriot wine and wander from group to group chatting, sharing food and flying kites.

For this occasion, Pafilia Rentals has put together special accommodation packages, starting at €.282 for 3 nights in a 2 bedroom apartment and a romantic Valentine’s dinner at La Spaghetteria to €538 for the same package in a beachfront luxury 3 bedroom villa. 

Good luck!

WIN a romantic Valentine's weekend!

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has a great deal of potential for Pafilia Property Developers and its Cyprus properties, especially Minthis Hills, where its exquisite luxury villas and bungalows are very attractive to Saudi Arabians and expats.  Therefore, it made perfect sense to open up our first office in the Middle East, in Jeddah, KSA.

As a company, we have a strategy of establishing local offices in key geographies, enabling us to provide local support and knowledge in the local languages.  This now joins our Global network of offices, including London, Moscow, St Petersburg, Kiev, Dublin and Chania.  Leading these our activities in KSA is Kyriazi Anghelopoulos, who has been appointed as Saudi Arabia area manager.  He has an enormous amount of valuable experience in this region.  We will be working very closely together to ensure we achieve our vision for the area.

The occasion was inauguration ceremony where our partner in KSA, Sheikh Mohammed Bakhashwain, and I signed the contracts for the office.  This was followed by our first invitation only Pafilia seminar held at the Hilton, which was highly successful.

Cyprus is new to Saudi Arabians, but there are very strong reasons why we believe that we can provide expatriates and Saudi Arabians alike with what they desire; attractive holiday homes or investment property in an EU country which has a warm and pleasant climate, mountains, sea and so much more while being just a short flight away.  Cyprus and Saudi Arabia each have a rich cultural heritage going back to ancient times, while having all the advantages of a modern cosmopolitan society.

Another aspect in the attraction of Pafilia’s Cyprus properties is that the Government has announced that non-EU citizens investing a minimum of  €300,000 in property in Cyprus are highly likely to be granted an immigration permit, which is equivalent to a permanent residence permit.  There will no longer be a need for visas or renewal of residency permits for non-EU citizens and owners will gain almost the same rights as Cypriot citizens.

In addition, Cyprus is the perfect place to enjoy life to its full.  As well as its climate, Cyprus has a very relaxed lifestyle that removes the stress of everyday life.  The low crime rate and family oriented culture create a safe and secure environment where your children can play outside without worrying.  This is supplemented by an excellent education system, first class healthcare and state-of-the-art infrastructure.  Cyprus is also an International business centre, where there are Inward Investment initiatives and where you can set up a company easily.  It has low or zero taxation and bilateral tax treaties with a vast variety of countries, providing a gateway into the EU.

Pafilia opens an office in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia